Living vs Surviving

“I don’t want to survive, I want to live”     

‘Surviving’ would simply mean doing things that are mandatory for a person to be alive. But in order to live, we have to be content from within and go beyond our abilities. To take chances and try and experiment new things is actually called ‘living’.

Everyone might have different definitions of ‘living’. But for me, it would mean living life king size- to the fullest and getting exposure in life.

‘Living’ is not being confined to one place but doing different things- being confident, adventurous, bearing all kinds of hardships stoically, not bothering about what others may think and not living in a trance- following the same routine every day.

I believe that our education system slightly limits us in getting this ‘exposure’. We have innumerable examinations all over the year. We students don’t get the time to participate in other activities which leads to retardation in our physical and mental development. 

Other than this, we are living in a world full of narrow-minded people who are always ready to undermine us but we should learn how to deal with such people and live peacefully. I have learned how to be strong and not be bothered by such happenings. 

We regularly hear incidents about rape, kidnapping and acid attacks. Isn’t this taking away people's right to live? Don’t they deserve to live freely? Incidents like these shatter my mind.

I understood the real meaning of this quote at a very young age. An aunt of mine had a very strict, disciplinary and punctual nature. She liked being a perfectionist and always got angry when something was not up to the mark. After being seriously diagnosed with Brain Cancer, she realized that life is short and unpredictable. Later She broke her old norms and adopted the mantra of ‘You Only Live Once’.

She was like a prisoner who was jailed for years. When finally released, the new world around her seemed too overwhelming and intimidating.

I know one thing for sure, I have this one life which is not eternal. It will come to an end someday. So what’s the point of being in oblivion and thinking about negative things? Let’s just forgive, forget and move on. Be better human beings and savor every moment. 

Everyone has a role to play in life which helps them become a better and special person. We should remember to live life, but also find a purpose. Mine is to contribute towards society in a positive way. We should use this life also for the betterment of others. Treat everyone with respect, sincerity, motivate those who are struggling and protect the weak. 

I believe in living life happily, learning from my mistakes and at the same time, helping others and making a healthy contribution. for society. 

I love to travel, explore new places, read books, be with my family and friends and absorb the most from life. I want to live, not just survive.